Just finished it. It was a good read but I found his pre-occupation with his faith - Christian, and deep introspection slightly irritating and frustrating.
I didn't have the impression that he particularly planned or researched his chosen route. Cycling through Papua New Guinea was just plain madness. Infact he hardly cycled but walked a lot of the way as the jungle paths were impassable. The fact that he managed to avoid coming a cropper was more down to luck than planning or self preservation IMHO.
I think he grew and up matured considerably over his 3 years touring which one would expect, but even toward the end of his tour, he resumes proslytising on his faith.
I'm now kean to read Al Humphries' book(s) of his tour. I certainly felt that Al was carrying Rob when they began which was understandable as Al had already been on the road for a long time. Some of Rob's decisions and way he did things would have driven me up the wall, literally, meaning I would have not have suffered Rob for as long as Al did. But I think it was the fact that their friendship was long standing that Al felt obligated to stick with him and drag him through Siberia in winter at temps of -30/40C. It was bit much to expect Rob to be able to ride at Al's pace when starting off. At least Rob recognised his earlier inexperience and shortcomings when toward the end of his tour he was joined by friends to cycle the closing stages where he mused he could leave his riding companions for dust so had to moderate his pace.
Rob also omitted quite a lot or gave very brief mention eg Phillipinnes, Australia and Turkey plus failed to follow up observations which he made which I found quite frustrating. But all in all an enjoyable and well written read. His journey through Tibet was good although after this his account was far too sketchy. Iran offered a brief insight to life and travelling there but could have been more. There are better journals on CGOAB.com IMHO eg Bike About,
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=139144&v=q
and I prefer Josie Dew or Ann Mustoe's books.
as I am following/reading a few other travelogues on CGOAB at the moment. I have started reading it this evening and have reached the point where they have ridden through Central America and decided to fly from Panama City to Lima, Peru to try to shorten the distance to cycle to beat the onset of winter in the far south of Agrentina. Obviously in doing this they are also cutting out the hazard that is Columbia.
